One of the world’s largest banks — JPMorgan — is preparing to launch a new service that will allow clients to use Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as collateral for loans. Bloomberg reports this, citing sources close to the company.
A new step by Wall Street towards cryptocurrencies
The bank intends to offer international clients the opportunity to borrow against digital assets, with custody provided by a third-party custodian. This format will reduce risks and comply with regulatory requirements.
If the initiative is approved, JPMorgan will become the first major bank with a global presence to officially integrate Bitcoin and Ethereum into its lending products.
For institutional clients, this could become a turning point: cryptocurrencies will begin to be perceived not as speculative instruments, but as full-fledged financial assets backed by banking infrastructure.
Experts compare the possible effect to the launch of the first US spot Bitcoin ETF in 2024 — an event that became a turning point for the entire crypto industry.
JPMorgan accelerates digital asset integration
The bank has shown interest in cryptocurrencies for several years. The idea of providing crypto-collateralized loans was discussed within JPMorgan as early as the summer of 2025. At that time, the company began assessing the legal and operational risks of such a service.
Earlier, the media wrote that the actual launch of such a product would not be possible before 2026. However, the bank’s latest moves show that the process may proceed faster.
JPMorgan is also interested in stablecoins and blockchain infrastructure. During the earnings report on July 15, the CEO stated that the company is studying the stablecoin market to “better understand the nature of the new asset class” and to use blockchain technologies to increase settlement efficiency.
From crypto criticism to proprietary products
Despite skepticism in the past, JPMorgan became one of the first American banks to implement blockchain technologies. In 2020, it launched a dollar-pegged stablecoin designed for instant corporate settlements.
Since then, the bank has been actively developing areas related to digital assets. In 2024, the bank already held stakes in several spot Bitcoin ETFs and participated in projects related to blockchain infrastructure.
Interestingly, the CEO himself openly criticized cryptocurrencies just a few years ago. In 2018, he said he was not interested in them at all, and in 2022 he called the crypto market a “decentralized pyramid.” However, he later acknowledged the value of Ethereum and smart contract technologies, stating that they could “significantly change the financial industry.”
What this means for the market
If JPMorgan does indeed launch loans secured by Bitcoin and Ethereum, it will be a major step toward the institutionalization of cryptocurrencies. The ability to use ETH and BTC as bank collateral will strengthen trust in digital assets and lay the foundation for their mass adoption.
This tool could become an analogue of margin lending, but with decentralized assets, allowing large investors to obtain liquidity without selling their positions.
Amid growing interest from banks and hedge funds in crypto instruments, JPMorgan’s move looks strategic. It confirms: digital assets are no longer on the periphery of the financial world. They are becoming part of it.
Read more: Dogecoin prepares for 25% growth, but the key resistance level is still ahead
